Banjul, The Gambia – The future of Gambia’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) hangs in the balance as lawmakers grapple with the issue. On Monday, a parliamentary committee recommended upholding the ban, setting the stage for a crucial vote later this month.
FGM, a harmful practice that involves the partial or complete removal of external female genitalia, has been illegal in Gambia since 2015. However, the deeply ingrained tradition persists in the West African nation. Last year’s first convictions under the ban ignited controversy, prompting a push to overturn the law.
Following a heated debate, the recommendations contained in a joint health and gender committee report were adopted. 35 lawmakers voted in favor, with 17 opposed and 2 abstaining. This paves the way for a final vote on July 24th that could potentially make Gambia the first country to reverse an FGM ban.
The recently passed legislation easily cleared its second reading in March, with overwhelming support. The joint committee subsequently conducted nationwide consultations to gauge public opinion, engaging with religious and traditional leaders, medical professionals, victims, civil society groups, and even practitioners of FGM.
The committee’s report, presented on Monday, condemns FGM as “a traumatic form of torture” and “discrimination against women.” It further warns that “repealing the law would be a significant setback for the Gambia.”
The first FGM convictions last year, involving three women who cut eight young girls, triggered outrage and led to the introduction of a repeal bill by independent lawmaker Almaneh Gibba. Gibba, along with his supporters who include influential religious figures, argue that the ban infringes on cultural and religious freedoms in the Muslim-majority nation. However, this argument is contested by many Islamic scholars.
The World Health Organization stands firmly against FGM, highlighting its lack of health benefits and potential dangers, including severe bleeding, shock, psychological trauma, and even death.
